The U.S. men’s national team can punch their ticket to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 2002 with a win against Belgium on Tuesday. The U.S. navigated their way through the “Group of Death” behind strong play from MLS players in all positions. Offensively, Seattle Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey has lived up to the captain’s armband by leading the team with two goals while Sporting Kansas City’s Graham Zusi leads the team with two assists -- one on the go-ahead goal in the win against Ghana and the other in the draw against Portugal. In midfield, Real Salt Lake’s Kyle Beckerman has been a reliable force with Toronto FC’s Michael Bradley covering more ground in the group stage than any other player at the World Cup. Defensively, Sporting Kansas City’s Matt Besler and LA Galaxy’s Omar Gonzalez have seen significant playing time in central defense while making their World Cup debuts.

When will this trial ever end? The murder trial of Oscar Pistorius resumes today after one month during which mental health experts evaluated the athlete to determine if he has an anxiety disorder that could have influenced his actions on the night he killed girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

NEW YORK (Monday, June 30, 2014) – Montreal Impact forward Jack McInerney was voted Major League Soccer Player of the Week by the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) for Week 16 of the 2014 MLS season. McInerney’s two goals propelled the Impact to a 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo on Sunday.

NEW YORK (June 30, 2014) – Major League Soccer announced today that Seth Bacon has been named Senior Vice President, Media, a new position at MLS and Soccer United Marketing. In his new role, Bacon will be responsible for developing and executing the direction of the League’s media properties and will oversee the distribution of content and programming on international, national and regional levels through advanced multi-media-platform channels. As one of Bacon’s first priorities, he will work closely with Larry Tiscornia, Vice President of Broadcasting, to integrate the new television and media rights partnerships with ESPN, Fox Sports and Univision Deportes. The landmark television agreements, which were announced earlier this year, are eight-year partnerships to televise MLS and U.S. Soccer matches in the United States through the end of 2022.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced today that Billie Jean King has been named as an Official Ambassador of the WTA Finals in Singapore. One of the most respected and influential figures of the modern era, King has long been a champion of social change and equality, empowering women and young girls worldwide. As Official Ambassador of the WTA Finals, she will encourage physical and emotional health for young girls and women throughout the Asia-Pacific region through community youth programs, educational forums and various promotional activities in Singapore. Having joined fellow greats Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova as a formal advocate of the WTA’s season finale, King will also be on hand to present the 2014 BNP Paribas WTA Finals Singapore Presented by SC Global singles champion with the Billie Jean King Trophy. ”The vision of every member of the Original 9 women professionals was that any girl, wherever she was born, could grow up to make a living from tennis if she was good enough,” said Billie Jean King. “Holding the WTA Finals in Asia-Pacific for the first time is fantastic proof that our dream is thriving. More than 40 years since the founding of the WTA and the first staging of the WTA Finals, I am thrilled to join Chris and Martina in helping take our showcase event to new heights. We know the fans in Singapore will be inspired by the skill and athleticism of the very best in women’s tennis.”

Algeria will be hoping to inflict revenge on Germany when the two sides meet in a FIFA World Cup Round Of 16 match this evening. Algeria’s footballers have already made history in Brazil but they will want to avenge revenge over their much fancied opponents who knocked them out of the 1982 World Cup. Germany have lost both of their previous meetings with Algeria in all competitions. Their most notable meeting came in the 1982 World Cup group stage when Algeria beat West Germany 2-1. However, the Desert Lions were eliminated by West Germany’s mutually beneficial 1-0 win over Austria that saw both teams advance to the next round.

Though the group phase at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ has now come to an end, the excitement is set to continue for many of the players in the running for the Hyundai Young Player Award. Three rising stars to make sure of their place in the Round of 16 on Thursday were Nabil Bentaleb, Adnan Januzaj and DeAndre Yedlin, who all had very good reason to celebrate on a day of high excitement. One of the day’s opening two matches was the meeting between USA and Germany, with no fewer than five contenders for the award featuring in the two squads. Only one of them saw any action, however, with Yedlin once again being sent on as a substitute by Stars and Stripes coach Jurgen Klinsmann. And though his side went down to a 1-0 defeat, the defender once again showed his class as the Americans scraped through.

For Joseph Yobo, the pre-match ritual is as much a part of the game as the half-time team talk. In his 16 years as a professional, the Nigeria defender has always readied himself for action the same way, slipping on his shirt and then singing and praying before stepping on to the pitch. It is a routine he has gone through innumerable times – but on precisely 100 occasions for the Super Eagles. A sterling servant for his country, Yobo had the honour of bringing up his century of caps against Argentina in Nigeria's final Group F game at Brazil 2014.

Although his side slipped to a 3-2 loss in that match, the 33-year-old came away with almost entirely positive memories. After all, not only did he hit a significant personal milestone, Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3-1 victory against Iran ensured that Nigeria tied down a berth in the Round of 16. "Qualifying for the knockout phase was our first objective," the Super Eagles' captain told FIFA.com. "We're very happy because that hadn't happened to us since 1998. This time, we did it with pride, by finishing second and trying to win first place against Argentina."

29 June 2014 – The South African Men’s Under-17 National Team (Amajimbos) will travel to Botswana and Lesotho without two players. This comes after SuperSport United Academy midfielder Athenkosi Dlala was temporarily withdrawn from the Amajimbos squad following the passing on of his younger brother. Dlala, who comes from George, has been given leave of absence from the national team to be present when his brother is laid to rest and will play no part in the friendly matches against Botswana and Lesotho. Nicknamed Gattuso, Dlala had reported for national team duty and took part in the MRI scans conducted on the whole team on Saturday, 27 June.

The explosion of joy on the final whistle in the Arena da Baixada was a tangible display of how much a Round of 16 berth meant to everyone involved with Algeria, as well as the sense of unity in the camp. “It was unbelievable, simply unbelievable,” Slimani said. “The fans have been following us all tournament and they spent the entire match cheering us on. We’re a very united squad, which is why this is just reward for a fantastic team. I’m delighted to be part of this national side.”

The ICC and IDI Boards, under the chairmanship of Mr Narayanaswami Srinivasan, met on 27 and 28 June during the ICC Annual Conference week in Melbourne The ICC and IDI Boards, under the chairmanship of Mr Narayanaswami Srinivasan, met on 27 and 28 June during the ICC Annual Conference week in Melbourne. Among the decisions made and reports received were:

Future Tours Programme

The ICC Board noted the significant progress made on the Future Tours Programme (FTP) that has been extended through to 2023 and expressed satisfaction that there was now more certainty around long-term scheduling with a reasonable balance between home and away matches for all 10 teams as well as between the three formats.

The ICC Board agreed with the ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) recommendation that the Members must sign all bilateral agreements through to 2023 before the next ICC meeting, which takes place in October.

Denmark seals third spot while Oman wins fifth-place play-off Khizar Hayat and Suharril Fetri produced brilliant all-round performances to help Malaysia beat Singapore by 57 runs to secure the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 (WCL Div. 4) title in Singapore on Saturday.

After being put into bat by Singapore, the Malaysia batsmen put up a total of 235 runs in 50 overs. Runs came from the whole line up as everyone chipped in. Man of the final Khizar Hayat provided the impetus towards the end, with a brisk 63 off 48 balls (three fours, four sixes).

CAF president Issa Hayatou says Algeria and Nigeria have the capabilities to overcome their Round of 16 FIFA World Cup opponents and go as far as they possibly could at the ongoing championship in Brazil.

In hailing their qualification to the knock-out round, Hayatou said CAF and the African continent were solidly behind Africa's two representatives and reminded them of the support of the entire continent.

Navy Commodore Nesiama(l) and Chief Solomon Ogba. Making The AFN their business venture The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) have been using their offices to do business with the athletes thereby jeopardizing the chances of ever being neutral and objective in carrying out their duties. Investigations done reveal that the technical director Navy Commodore Omatseyi Nesiama is acting as an athlete’s representative and giving athletes contract to sign, taking 15% of all their income. A number of home based athletes have been told to sign some even with the threat of losing their places in the national team. A call to the IAAF reveals that Commodore Nesiama recently registered as an athlete’s representative through the AFN as one is required to be registered via the home federation and this way may avoid taking the ‘IAAF athletes representative examination’. He uses an agency name called Soloo Sports Management & Marketing LLC (the “Representative”) with the address of 11002 Veirs Mill Road, Suite 305, Silver Spring, Maryland 20902, USA and 19 Gbemisola Street, off Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

They came, they saw and they failed to conquered! That sums up Africa’s big five at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil where they fell along the wayside like flies. First to board the plane back home was Cameroon who lost all their group matches. Dubbed Africa’s golden generation - Ivory Coast, who needed just a draw to progress in their penultimate match against Greece, were next to follow after being narrowly piped 2-1. The win handed the Greeks the ticket to meet Costa Rica in the last 16. Ghana were the latest casualty last night when a rejuvenated Portugal side side dismissed them 2-1 to book the passage for the United States, who progressed ahead of Portugal due to a superior goal difference.

As the 2014 FIFA World Cup winds down focus is slowly shifting to other major sports events that are in the Horizon and one of those is the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland. While the World’s attention has been on Brazil there has been some developments in the quality of athletes that will be in Scotland. In the last few days World and Olympic Champion and Record holder in the 100 and 200 meters Usain Bolt of Jamaica committed to being at this years Commonwealth Games, an announcement which will be a big boost for the Scotland games. Glasgow 2014 issues a statement in response to the news that Usain Bolt will be competing at the Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC)’s Coordination Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games today successfully concluded its first visit to the 2020 Olympic host city of Tokyo (25-27 June). The Commission, through its Chair, John Coates, declared that it was “very pleased” with the initial progress made by Tokyo 2020, as well as by the on-going review of its bid plans. The Commission was also extremely satisfied that the “best of Japan” has been mobilised to get everyone involved in Tokyo 2020 and help spread the message across the country. Speaking after the meetings, IOC Coordination Commission Chair John Coates said, “We are very pleased with Tokyo 2020’s progress under the leadership of President Yoshiro Mori. The Organising Committee and its government partners have got off to a quick start and are putting in place solid foundations for the next six years of preparations.” He continued, “The close cooperation of all levels of government with Tokyo 2020 was clearly felt by the Commission, particularly following our meeting with Prime Minister Abe and with Governor Masuzoe’s participation in the visit. Their support for the Games, as well as the support of many high-profile Japanese personalities through the Tokyo 2020 Advisory Meeting, are greatly appreciated, and will stand the 2020 Games in good stead. Their commitment underlines that Tokyo 2020 is for all Japan, and is encouraging Japanese everywhere to get behind these Games and see how they can engage in helping Tokyo to welcome the world in 2020.”

Gibrilla Pato Bangura in training The Sierra Leone Athletics Association (SLAA) has revealed its team for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The athletics team will consist of nine athletes; five home based in Thomas Vandy, Mariatu Suma, Jimmy Thoronka, Michaela Kargbo and Rebecca Ansumana whilst the other four will come from based athletes in Gibrilla Pato Bangura, Solomon Bockarie, Adel Sesay and Kathrin Ugo Eke.

27 June 2014 - The South African Men’s Under 17 National Team (Amajimbos) are in camp to prepare for the upcoming 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) qualifiers and have kicked off the process by undergoing the procedural MRI scans. Amajimbos will take on Tanzania on Friday, 18 July 2014 in the capital Dar es Salaam. Kick-off is at 16h00 local time in Tanzania (15h00 SA time). The players who have been invited to camp are undergoing the mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans (MRI) of the wrist – a process that determines one’s age group. The tests will be conducted on Friday, 27 June with the training commencing on Saturday, 28 June.

IRB Junior Player of The Year, Handre Pollard, cannot ask for a better season after faith was shown in him by South Africa national coach Heyneke Meyer. He was picked as the starting flyhalf for Saturday’s Test against Scotland. This is only the second time that Meyer has handed a debut to a 20 year old Number 10 since he took over as the Springboks mentor. The other being Johan Goosen, who received that honour in 2012.

While the 2014 FIFA World Cup will be reaching its final stage, Brazil will host from 2 to 10 July another major FIFA World Cup event. The community of Caju, in Rio de Janeiro, will stage the Football for Hope Festival 2014, an event which will bring together 32 delegations of young leaders from Football-for-Hope-supported social programmes from Brazil and around the world for a unique intercultural exchange and a football tournament. The first part of the Festival (2-6 July) will include an array of educational and cultural activities for the delegations. The second part will then culminate with a football tournament (7-10 July), where mixed teams will compete without referees. The Festival will demonstrate the power that football has to bring people together, transform lives and inspire entire communities. It will be an exhibition of fair play, football passion and cultural diversity as reflected by the varied origins of the participating organisations and their delegations. For further details about the Festival’s programme and delegations, please check the below factsheet, match schedule and teaser video.

Lilongwe, Malawi: Athletics Association of Malawi (AAM) has come under fire for the criteria it used to select the athletics team that will represent the country at this year’s Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow in Scotland. Last Saturday, AAM reportedly conducted time trials at Kamuzu Institute for Sports in Lilongwe to select athletes that will better represent the country at the games. But the manner in which selection was done has angered some athletes who took part in the trials who feels cheated by the way the selection process was handled. According to the country’s online tabloid Nyasatimes the trials were just a hoax as the team for the games had already been picked.

It is often said that there are no easy games in world football these days, that the gulf that once separated the big guns from the minnows has shrunk so much that no result can be taken for granted anymore. The 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ has proved that point time and again, throwing up a number of scorelines that have defied all expectations, with no-one doing more to redraw the global football map than the representatives of the CONCACAF and CAF zones. Both regions have set new personal bests at Brazil 2014, respectively accounting for three and two of the teams in the Round of 16. Yet, for anyone who has been keeping close tabs on their sides over the last few years, their achievements are merely confirmation of trends that have their origins in world finals gone by.

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed Portugal a 2-1 win over Ghana in Brasilia, but it was insufficient to keep them from crashing out of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ on goal difference. Asamoah Gyan’s 57th-minute header had cancelled out John Boye’s first-half own-goal before the FIFA Ballon d’Or holder’s late settler, but Paulo’s Bento’s side would have required at least another three goals without reply to pip USA to second place in Group G. A game both sides began with hope of reaching the knockout phase quickly got going. Ronaldo’s pace got him away down the right. A cross seemed inevitable, but the 29-year-old looked up, noticed the keeper slightly off his line and, from a seemingly impossible angle, struck an audacious, astonishing strike that looped over Fatau Dauda but came back off the crossbar.

Lusaka, Zambia, June 26: Zambia national soccer team captain, Christopher Katongo has reportedly signed for South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Wits University. According to Zambia online soccer magazine, Zamfoot .com, Katongo is due to join his new South African club this week for pre-season training. “The Chipolopolo captain will join his team mates this week in preseason training,” Zamfoot reported in its Wednesday edition.